Joining us this week on Supersede, Marcus Erikson discusses the continual call of service in his life – eventually leading to his role as co-founder and scientist at 5 Gyres. Marcus and Madeleine discuss their approaches to activism against plastics pollution and science communication, and Madeline shares how Marcus’s mentorship shaped her science journey as well.
Marcus shares a bit of his inspiring life journey, encouraging listeners to dive deeply into issues that call to them. From rafting the Mississippi, to making art reflecting on his time as a Marine, to leading expeditions across the world to learn more about plastic pollution, Marcus’s love for nature and commitment to the world has guided him throughout life.
Rather than centering his work on himself though, Marcus continually demonstrates humility and a steadfast commitment to the collective betterment of the world. It is the collective of humanity that must change in order to change the world. With this, Marcus reminds listeners of the importance of making science and creativity accessible to all – work that he is doing through his role at Leap Labs.
Activism is not a linear journey, but Marcus reminds listeners of the power in keeping the pressure and sticking with an issue. Change may not be immediate, but it will be worth it.
To learn more about Marcus’s work visit
Marcus Eriksen has led expeditions around the world to research plastic marine pollution, co-publishing the first global estimate and the discovery of plastic microbeads in the Great Lakes, which led to the federal Microbead-free Waters Act of 2015. He and his wife Anna Cummins founded 5 Gyres with an 88-day journey from California to Hawaii on the Junk Raft, built from 15,000 plastic bottles. Earlier, Marcus had rafted the Mississippi River, writing about the river and his experience as a Marine in the 1991 Gulf War in the book, My River Home. His second book, Junk Raft: An ocean voyage and a rising tide of activism to fight plastic pollution recalls the rise of the plastic pollution movement, growing steadily today.
5Gyres' Socials
Instagram: @5Gyres
Seeding Sovereignty's Socials
Instagram/TikTok/Twitter/YouTube: @seedingsovereignty
Website: www.seedingsovereignty.org
Madeleine's Socials
Instagram/TikTok: @madeleinemacgillivray
Website: www.madeleinemacgillivray.com
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